Employment for Returning Expats/Negapats

Sorry, I just had to throw the "negapats" in for my good friend, BigZack!

Ok, now onto the issue: I've made the decision to return to Trinidad and Tobago in the coming years (plan is to work here until I have enough points for SSI benefits for future retirement purposes - I am a few points away) before making the permanent jump. I plan to return and work in Trinidad but have come to realize my professional work experience does not fit into any of the more popular sectors on the island (Accounting, Marketing, Business Administration, Project Management, Engineering, Administrative Services, Occupational Health & Safety Procurement, Oil/Gas, etc.)

My experience is in corporate finance in the legal sector (and depending on a possible new job offer, in the investment banking sector). I have no intentions of being another attorney in TT and have looked into going the finance or MBA route via Arthur Lok, but still, as my experience is so niche I am not quite sure what employment prospects might exist for me upon arrival. I have tried going through the placement agencies and have not gotten anywhere with them (one popular agency said they are doubtful of finding any placements for me given my experience).

So the question remains: how does a young professional with international experience break into the job market in Trinidad? Is it heavily dependent on who you know? I know there are quite a few returning expats with no work experience landing well-paying jobs simply because of who they are or who they know. Is this what I have to expect when the time comes for me to actively search for employment? I was hoping to have a job offer at hand BEFORE I got to TT shores for permanent residence, but I'm now considering saving enough funds to last me 6 months - one year in the event I cannot find employment.

I plan to also attend graduate school while working. As I love to keep busy it is my hope I land something, but so far, its been quite the daunting task just speaking to some of these recruiter agencies, none of whom I have went in to have an interview with. I plan to do just that when closer to my intended date of return but am fishing a few years in advance to see what possibilities may exist for me in the present.

Any advice, people? Perhaps I have to change gears? I really wish to pursue my MBA though and maybe open up my own business, but even that will require collateral that I will not be able to afford to gamble away given the uncertainty of being a successful entrepreneur in TT.

Thanks for listening!

Last edited by ebony02; 07-09-2012 at 12:56 PM.

You don't stick a knife in a man's back nine inches and then pull it out six inches and say you're making progress. No matter how much respect, no matter how much recognition whites show towards me, as far as I'm concerned, as long as it is not shown to every one of our people in this country, it doesn't exist for me"- Malcolm X, 1964

Re: Employment for Returning Expats/Negapats

Originally Posted by Falcon

What you tellin the girl about weave?

Weave?? That is my hair, . Guys, please stay focused on the subject at hand!

You don't stick a knife in a man's back nine inches and then pull it out six inches and say you're making progress. No matter how much respect, no matter how much recognition whites show towards me, as far as I'm concerned, as long as it is not shown to every one of our people in this country, it doesn't exist for me"- Malcolm X, 1964

Re: Employment for Returning Expats/Negapats

Ebbs
Sorry about the diversion. Zakky is indisciplined.
Will you stay niche focused or compromise and broaden a bit to increase the chance of getting a foothold. Then in a couple years you can get back in your pet area.

Re: Employment for Returning Expats/Negapats

..... Is it heavily dependent on who you know? I know there are quite a few returning expats with no work experience landing well-paying jobs simply because of who they are or who they know.....

From what I have seen recently.... I would say yes, this 'connection' thing still exist.

A few weeks ago I was privy to an e-mail from a cousin who has lived in T&T all of his life.... with a son who had lived abroad for many years... who with all kinds of qualification had returned to T&T .... and was trying to find a job in his field.

....this man was 'ketchin 99 candle' to land a job..

.... His father was making a request of another family member who had all kinds of 'professional connections' in the area the young man sought....to try to 'hook him up'.....

Re: Employment for Returning Expats/Negapats

My advice my dear, is to think long and hard (that's not about me, eh) before you make any serious commitment to return to T&T. I strongly suggest (if it's all possible) you go there and spend a few months, before you decide to settle. You see whey FALCON settle. And you know he ent, stupid ( even though GUY would not agree with me).

DANCERBOY

Last edited by dancerboy; 07-10-2012 at 01:14 PM.

If you say what you think, don't expect to hear only what you like.
Some men change their party for the sake of their principles, others change their principles for the sake of the party..

Re: Employment for Returning Expats/Negapats

Thanks for your heartfelt responses everyone. Yes, it is my eventual plan to be my own employer as I understand working for any local employer -- unless its a foreign company with offices on the isle -- will more than likely pay me pennies for similar services rendered. I am fully aware of what I can and will have to face once on the job hunt. My intention is to be financially prepared for whatever comes my way, and then some!

Fortunately, I won't be dragging anyone into this joy ride. It does help to be single with no kids.

You don't stick a knife in a man's back nine inches and then pull it out six inches and say you're making progress. No matter how much respect, no matter how much recognition whites show towards me, as far as I'm concerned, as long as it is not shown to every one of our people in this country, it doesn't exist for me"- Malcolm X, 1964